Onion Farming in Kenya is now a common phenomenon in the region. With the new technologies, various ways of doing onions are now in place.
Types of Onions
Bulb Onions
Red creole, Bombay red, Texas Early Grano (white), Red
Pinoy, Red passion F1, Tropical F1, Orient F1, Silvan F1, BGS 130, Flare F1,
Red snack, Ruby F1, Red nice F1.
Spring Onions
Spring green bunching, white Lisbon, American flag,
Italian giant.
Basic Requirements for Onion farming in Kenya
Based on the onion variety and the geographical location
where farming is set to take place. Onions have a set of minimum requirements
such as; Altitude of 2000 m above sea level, an average temperature of above 16
C, and a Soil PH of not below 6.
5 Steps on how to do Onion Farming
1. Onions
Propagation
Onions seedbed should be prepared at least two to three weeks
before the actual sowing of the seeds. Also, these depend on the variety of the
onions
The bed’s capacity requirements also depend on the volume of
the onions to be planted in respect to the acreage available.
The seedbed should at least be 1 – 1.5 m higher with a
spacing of 10 – 15 cm for the onions
In addition to the preparation of the beds fertilizers
should be added and mixed at this point. The choice of fertilizer to use is
advised based on soil testing reports. After establishing the nutrients need of
the soil.
2. Onions
Transplanting period
From the nursery, the maximum time for onions to mature is 5
to 6 weeks at this time the height of the onions is approximately 10 to 15cm.
They are ready for transplanting. Before uprooting them the nursery beds should
be watered adequately to avoid damaging the roots while in the process. They
are then transferred to the main field where its planted on the beds prepared. The
beds should be 1-1.5m broad. Row-to-row spacing of 25 -30 cm and seedling-to-seedling spacing of 15cm
Most farmers use drip irrigation as the main farming method
in the main field, Aqua Hub Kenya provides the best solutions for onions
drip kit per acre and the price of 1-acre drip irrigation for onions
in Kenya.
3. Onions
Irrigation
Aqua Hub Kenya comes in handy to provide irrigation methods
for onion farming. We offer the following methods;
- Drip
Irrigation
- Rain
Hose Irrigation
Drip Irrigation Kit for Onions by Aqua Hub, Kenya
Components
- Main
Piping & Sub Main Pipes
- Tank
Connection & Control units per block
- Filtration
units (Using Irrigation Water filters)
- Drip
Lines and its Assorted connectors)
Drip Irrigation Kit Prices for Onions
|
Size / Acreage |
No. of Lines per bed |
Cost in Ksh: |
|
1/8 th ( 500 sq.m) |
3 Lines per bed |
40,000/- |
|
1/4 th (1000 sq.m) |
3 Lines per bed |
50,000/- |
|
1/2 ( 2000 sq.m) |
3 Lines per bed |
80,000/- |
|
1 Acre (4000sq.m) |
3 Lines per bed |
150,000/- |
Components
- Main
Piping & Sub Main Pipes
- Irrigation
Designs
- Rain
Hose Pipes
- Rain
Hose Pipes fittings
Rain Hose Pipes Price in Kenya
|
Size |
Length |
Cost |
|
32mm ( 1 Inch) |
100 m |
4,500/- |
|
40 mm ( 1, 1/4 Inch) |
100 m |
5,500/- |
|
50 mm ( 1, 1/2 Inch) |
100 m |
6,500/- |
How profitable is Onion Farming in Kenya?
Onion Farming is a profitable venture. Estimated production
per acre is up to 15 Tonnes which when sold at the market prices the farmers
will break even.
4. Onion
Harvesting Procedure
Onions takes 4-5 months to be ready for harvesting. During
harvesting carefully pull or dig onions up from the ground with the top part
intact. Gently shake off the soil around the bulbs.
5. Drying
& Storage of Onions
Onions should be dried on a clean surface by spreading them
evenly to avoid moisture. They should be dried until the neck is dried completely
and the outer skin peels off. Then cut off the neck and store them at room
temperature and in a dry bag or wire mesh.